FIRST seen as a prototype at the EICMA show in Milan late last year, it was always clear that the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Raid would be wending its way into the hands of the public at some point.
The bike seen at EICMA last year isn’t 100 percent the same as the bike we see here though. That machine features a raft of bolt-on, go faster goodies such as billet engine covers, trick KYB suspension, an Akrapovič full exhaust and more. The production version seems to feature much of the same running gear as the current T700, with the main updates coming in the form of massively revised bodywork.
That isn’t to say though that you couldn’t spec your bike to look and ride just like the prototype machine. We’d assume that many of the upgrade parts seen above will make their way into the GYTR accessory catalogue at some point or another.
What’s new with the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Raid?
The biggest and most noticeable point of difference between the two models comes in its bodywork and fuel tank. The current bike’s 16-litre tank has been massively revised, with a new, low-level tank that is significantly wider appearing in its place. There isn’t yet confirmation of the capacity of the new design, although it's likely to be 20-litres or more – considerably improving the bike’s range.
The new bodywork also features crash protection that is built into the design, with cast protectors covering the widest and most vulnerable parts of the tank. More protection comes in the form of a substantial bash plate, that runs the full length of the engine, ending just below the footpegs.
Unlike the bike we saw at the show, the production machine seems to be wearing a low-level front mudguard, although, as with some of the other trick parts featured on the prototype, it is likely to be available as an add-on. The rolling stock seems to be the same as before, with the wheels tyres and brakes all looking like they do on the current T700.
What the patent images don’t tell us is when the bike could be landing in dealerships. While it is clear that the design and features of the bike are at an advanced stage of development, whether it makes it into 2022 or 2023 remains to be seen.
